Atiku Condemns Arrest of Dele Farotimi, Calls It an Abuse of Power
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer and political activist Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian Police Force.
Farotimi’s arrest followed a defamation petition filed by prominent lawyer Afe Babalola. Atiku, in a statement via his verified social media handle, expressed strong disapproval of the arrest, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the current administration.
The former Vice President further emphasized that defamation should be handled through legal means, not through the intervention of law enforcement as he condemned the overreach of the police, calling it an abuse of power intended to suppress dissent and stifle the press. Atiku referenced his own experience in 2019 when he chose to address defamation through the courts rather than resorting to police intervention.
Atiku pointed out that the arrest of Farotimi is reminiscent of the oppressive tactics used during the military dictatorship. He criticized the action as a direct contradiction to the democratic values the country should uphold, stressing that such acts of intimidation are not only unjust but also a serious threat to free speech and democracy in Nigeria.
The former Vice President further emphasized that defamation should be handled through legal means, not through the intervention of law enforcement. He condemned the overreach of the police, calling it an abuse of power intended to suppress dissent and stifle the press. Atiku referenced his own experience in 2019 when he chose to address defamation through the courts rather than resorting to police intervention.
In conclusion, Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi, urging the government to respect citizens’ rights to free expression and association. He reminded the administration that the use of state power for personal grievances undermines the very foundation of democracy.
